TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a tin alloy plating solution for forming a tin alloy
plating film by an electroplating method. More specifically, the present invention
relates to a tin alloy plating solution suitable for forming solder bumps for semiconductor
wafers and printed circuit boards.
[0002] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No.
2018-141146, filed in Japan on July 27, 2018 and Japanese Patent Application No.
2019-119213 filed in Japan on June 27, 2019, the content of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] It is known that, in a tin alloy plating bath (solution) used to form a tin alloy
plating film, for example, a tin-silver alloy plating film, on a conductive object,
in a case where the redox potentials of the tin ions and the other metal ions (for
example, silver ions) in the bath are significantly different, metal ions which are
more noble than tin form insoluble salts or metal simple substances in the plating
bath which precipitate easily and it is difficult to stably maintain the plating bath.
For this reason, in the related art, a plating solution containing a cyanide compound
was used as a tin-silver alloy plating solution, for example. However, since this
bath contains a toxic cyanide compound, the bath is extremely toxic and there are
various problems in terms of handling.
[0004] As a tin alloy plating bath which does not contain a cyanide compound, various plating
baths (solutions) were proposed (refer to, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4) in
the related art. Patent Document 1 illustrates a non-cyanide-based stable silver and
silver alloy plating bath and this silver and silver alloy plating bath contains (A)
a soluble salt consisting of any of a silver salt or a mixture of a silver salt and
a salt of a metal such as tin, bismuth, indium, or lead, and (B) a specific sulfide-based
compound such as 2,2'-dipyridyl sulfide or 2,2'-dipiperazinyl disulfide having one
or more basic nitrogen atoms in the molecule or a specific thiocrown ether compound
such as 1-aza-7-oxa-4,10-dithiacyclododecane. This plating bath containing these specific
compounds makes the aging stability of the plating bath, the co-deposition of silver
and various metals, the appearance of the electrodeposition coating, and the like
excellent in comparison with baths containing other sulfur-based compounds such as
thioglycolic acid.
[0005] Patent Document 2 illustrates a non-cyanide-based stable silver and silver alloy
plating bath and this silver and silver alloy plating bath contains (A) a soluble
salt consisting of any of a silver salt or a mixture of a silver salt and a salt of
a metal such as tin, bismuth, indium, or lead, and (B) a specific aliphatic sulfide-based
compound such as thiobis(diethylene glycol), dithiobis(triglycerol), 3,3'-thiodipropanol,
and thiodiglycerin, which include one or more of an etheric oxygen atom, a 1-hydroxypropyl
group, or a hydroxypropylene group in the molecule but which do not include a basic
nitrogen atom. According to this plating bath, containing these specific compounds
makes the aging stability of the plating bath, the co-deposition of silver and various
metals, the appearance of the electrodeposition coating, and the like excellent in
comparison with a bath or the like containing a thiodiglycolic acid or β-thiodiglycol,
which are aliphatic monosulfide compounds which do not include an etheric oxygen atom,
a 1-hydroxypropyl group, or a hydroxypropylene group.
[0006] Patent Document 3 illustrates a non-cyanide-based tin-silver alloy plating bath and
this tin-silver alloy plating bath contains (a) at least one type of aliphatic amino
acid and nitrogen-containing aromatic carboxylic acid and (b) at least one type of
aliphatic sulfide and aliphatic mercaptan. Examples of the aliphatic amino acids of
(a) include glycine and the like, examples of the nitrogen-containing aromatic carboxylic
acids of (a) include picolinic acid, 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid, and the like,
examples of the aliphatic sulfides of (b) include 4,7-dithiadecane-1,10-diol, and
the like, and examples of the aliphatic mercaptans include thioglycol, and the like.
In this plating bath, the sulfur compound of component (b) is a silver stabilizer
and component (a) such as glycine and picolinic acid is also used in combination therewith
to make it possible to favorably improve the solder wettability and appearance of
the tin-silver alloy coating.
[0007] Patent Document 4 illustrates a cyanide-free, silver-based plating bath, and this
plating bath contains a soluble salt including a silver salt and one or more types
of sulfide-based compounds selected from a group formed of compounds represented by
a particular General Formula. According to this plating bath, it is possible to improve
the stability of silver ions in the bath, obtain a sufficient complexing power, and
reduce production costs, and the plating bath is excellent in practical use.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. H11-269691 (Abstract)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2000-192279 (Abstract)
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2006-265572 (Abstract)
[Patent Document 4]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2007-046142 (Abstract)
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0009] The plating baths of Patent Documents 1 to 4 described above contain various complexing
agents for forming a silver complex for the stability of silver ions in the plating
bath or the aging stability of the plating bath. However, the complexing agents shown
in Patent Document 1 to 4 have a problem in that, when the plating bath is used for
a long period of time or the plating solution is stored for a long period of time,
decomposition occurs and the silver is likely to precipitate.
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a tin alloy plating solution having
excellent electrolytic stability and aging stability.
Solution to Problem
[0011] The present inventors conducted extensive studies in order to solve the problems
described above and, as a result, found that, when a specific sulfide compound was
contained in a tin alloy plating solution, a complex of a metal which is more noble
than tin in the plating solution was stabilized without being decomposed either during
use or during storage, thereby achieving the present invention.
[0012] A first aspect of the present invention is a tin alloy plating solution including
a soluble tin salt, a soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin, and a
sulfide compound represented by General Formula (1). Here, in the General Formula
(1), (A) is a hydrocarbon group including no oxygen atom and having 1 to 2 carbon
atoms, or (A) is a hydrocarbon group including one or more oxygen atoms and having
2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention is a tin alloy plating solution including
a soluble tin salt, a soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin, and a
sulfide compound represented by General Formula (2). Here, in the General Formula
(2), (B) is a hydrocarbon chain including no oxygen atom and having 1 to 4 carbon
atoms, or (B) is a hydrocarbon chain including one or more oxygen atoms and having
3 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention is a tin alloy plating solution including
a soluble tin salt, a soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin, and a
sulfide compound represented by General Formula (3). Here, in the General Formula
(3), n is 1 to 5.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the tin alloy plating solution according
to any one of the first to third aspects in which the metal which is more noble than
tin is at least one or more metals selected from silver, copper, gold, and bismuth.
[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the tin alloy plating solution according
to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further including at least one or more
types of auxiliary complexing agent selected from a gluconic acid or a salt thereof,
a citric acid or a salt thereof, a pyrophosphoric acid or a salt thereof, an ethylenediamine,
a thiourea, a mercaptothiazole, a mercaptotriazole, a mercaptotetrazole, and a hydroxyalkylphosphine.
[0017] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the tin alloy plating solution according
to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further including at least one or more types
of surfactant selected from an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a non-ionic
surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant.
[0018] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the tin alloy plating solution according
to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further including an antioxidant.
[0019] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the tin alloy plating solution according
to any one of the first to seventh aspects, further including a complexing agent for
tin.
[0020] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the tin alloy plating solution according
to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further including a pH adjusting agent.
[0021] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the tin alloy plating solution according
to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further including a brightening agent.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0022] In the tin alloy plating solution of the first aspect of the present invention, the
sulfide compound acts as a complexing agent for a metal which is more noble than tin
in General Formula (1). In a case where (A) is a hydrocarbon group including no oxygen
atom and having 1 to 2 carbon atoms, the water solubility of the sulfide compound
is good. In addition, in a case where (A) is a hydrocarbon group including one or
more oxygen atoms and having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, an ether group "-O-" or a hydroxyl
group "-OH" is included in the molecule as an oxygen atom, thus, these act as a hydrophilic
group and the sulfide compound has good water solubility due to hydrogen bonding with
water. Furthermore, in both cases, since the sulfide group "-S-" is included as a
sulfur atom in General Formula (1), it is possible for the S atom to sufficiently
form a complex with and stabilize metal ions which are more noble than tin in the
plating solution. Due to this, the tin alloy plating solution is excellent in electrolytic
stability and aging stability for a long period of time during use and during storage.
In addition, since the sulfide compound is appropriately adsorbed on the surface of
the plating electrode, in a case where a surfactant is also used in combination therewith
as a smoothing agent, this does not interfere with the action of the surfactant and
the appearance and film thickness uniformity of the plating film are good.
[0023] In the tin alloy plating solution of the second aspect of the present invention,
the sulfide compound acts as a complexing agent for a metal which is more noble than
tin in General Formula (2). In a case where (B) is a hydrocarbon group including no
oxygen atom and having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, the water solubility of the sulfide compound
is good. In addition, in a case where (B) is a hydrocarbon group including one or
more oxygen atoms and having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, since a hydroxyl group "-OH" is
included, this acts as a hydrophilic group and there is an effect of further increasing
the water solubility due to hydrogen bonding with water. Furthermore, since the sulfide
group "-S-" is included as the sulfur atom in General Formula (2), it is possible
for the S atom to sufficiently form a complex with and stabilize the metal ions which
are more noble than tin in the plating solution. Due to this, the tin alloy plating
solution is excellent in electrolytic stability and aging stability for a long period
of time during use and during storage. In addition, since the sulfide compound is
appropriately adsorbed on the surface of the plating electrode, in a case where a
surfactant is also used in combination therewith as a smoothing agent, this does not
interfere with the action of the surfactant and the appearance and film thickness
uniformity of the plating film are good.
[0024] In the tin alloy plating solution of the third aspect of the present invention, the
sulfide compound acts as a complexing agent for a metal which is more noble than tin
in General Formula (3). The sulfide compound represented by General Formula (3) has
a glyceryl group having excellent water solubility at both ends, and further has 1
to 5 ethylene oxide groups which have the effect of increasing water solubility, thus,
the water solubility of the sulfide compound is good due to hydrogen bonding with
water. Furthermore, since the S atom is included in General Formula (3), it is possible
for the S atom to sufficiently form a complex with and stabilize the metal ions which
are more noble than tin in the plating solution. Due to this, the tin alloy plating
solution is excellent in electrolytic stability and aging stability for a long period
of time during use and during storage. In addition, since the sulfide compound is
appropriately adsorbed on the surface of the plating electrode, in a case where a
surfactant is also used in combination therewith as a smoothing agent, this does not
interfere with the action of the surfactant and the appearance and film thickness
uniformity of the plating film are good.
[0025] In the tin alloy plating solution of the fourth aspect of the present invention,
the metal which is more noble than tin is at least one or more types selected from
silver, copper, gold, and bismuth, thus, the solder wettability, mounting strength,
bendability, and reflow property are excellent, and there is an effect due to which
whisker formation is difficult and the like.
[0026] In the tin alloy plating solution of the fifth aspect of the present invention, an
auxiliary complexing agent such as gluconic acid or a salt thereof is included, thus,
when used together with the sulfide compound of the first to third aspects, it is
possible to further improve the stability of the plating solution during use and during
storage.
[0027] The tin alloy plating solution of the sixth aspect of the present invention further
includes a surfactant such as an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a non-ionic
surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, thus, there is an effect of further improving
the external appearance and the film thickness uniformity of the plating film.
[0028] The tin alloy plating solution of the seventh aspect of the present invention further
includes an antioxidant, thus, there is an effect of preventing Sn
2+ oxidation in the tin alloy plating solution.
[0029] The tin alloy plating solution of the eighth aspect of the present invention further
includes a complexing agent for tin, thus, in a case where the tin alloy plating solution
is applied to a tin plating solution close to neutral, there is an effect of stabilizing
the Sn
2+ ions.
[0030] The tin alloy plating solution of the ninth aspect of the present invention further
includes a pH adjusting agent, thus, there is an effect of adjusting the tin alloy
plating solution to an arbitrary pH range such as acidic, weakly acidic, or neutral.
[0031] The tin alloy plating solution of the tenth aspect of the present invention further
includes a brightening agent, thus, there is an effect of refining the crystal particles
of the tin alloy in the tin alloy plating film.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0032] A description will be given below of the tin alloy plating solutions of the first,
second, and third embodiments of the present invention. These tin alloy plating solutions
are used as a material for forming a tin alloy plating film used as a solder bump
for a semiconductor substrate (wafer) or a printed circuit board, or the like.
[0033] In addition, the tin alloys formed of the tin alloy plating solutions of the first,
second, and third embodiments are alloys of tin (Sn) and a predetermined metal selected
from silver (Ag), copper (Cu), gold (Au), and bismuth (Bi), which are metals more
noble than tin, and examples thereof include binary alloys such as an SnAg alloy,
an SnCu alloy, an SnAu alloy, and an SnBi alloy, and ternary alloys such as an SnCuAg
alloy.
<First Embodiment>
[0034] The tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment includes a soluble tin salt,
a soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin, and the sulfide compound represented
by General Formula (1). This tin alloy plating solution may further include an additive.
[Soluble Tin Salt]
[0035] The soluble tin salt used in the tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment
is a salt which dissolves in water to form divalent tin ions. Examples of soluble
tin salts include halides, sulfates, oxides, alkane sulfonates, aryl sulfonates, and
alkanol sulfonates. Specific examples of the alkane sulfonate include methane sulfonate
and ethane sulfonate. Specific examples of the aryl sulfonate include benzene sulfonate,
phenol sulfonate, cresol sulfonate, and toluene sulfonate. Specific examples of the
alkanol sulfonate include isethionate.
[0036] The soluble tin salt may be used alone as one type or in a combination of two or
more types. The amount of the soluble tin salt in the tin alloy plating solution of
the first embodiment is, in terms of the amount of tin, preferably in a range of 5
g/L or more and 200 g/L or less, and more preferably 20 g/L or more and 100 g/L. In
a case where the amount of the soluble tin salt is excessively low, there is a concern
that it may be difficult for the precipitation of tin to occur normally and the formation
of good bumps may not be possible in the current density range of 1 to 20 amperes
per square decimeter (ASD) generally used in bump plating. On the other hand, in a
case where the amount of the soluble tin salt is excessively high, in addition to
the increase in the viscosity of the plating solution making it difficult to form
bumps, there is a concern that the cost of the plating solution may increase since
more tin than necessary is contained.
[Soluble Salts of Metals More Noble than Tin]
[0037] The soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin used in the tin alloy plating
solution of the first embodiment is a salt which is soluble in water. Examples of
the metals which are more noble than tin include at least one or more metals selected
from silver, copper, gold, and bismuth. Examples of soluble salts of these metals
are the same as the examples of soluble tin salts. Among these metals, it is preferable
to include silver or copper. An alloy (SnAg alloy) of tin and silver has a low melting
point of 221°C as a eutectic composition (Sn-3.5 wt% Ag), and an alloy (SnCu alloy)
of tin and copper has a low melting point of 227°C as a eutectic composition (Sn-1.7
wt% Cu) and both are excellent in the solder wettability, mounting strength, bendability,
and reflow property, and have advantages in that whiskers are not easily formed and
the like. The soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin may be used alone
as one type or in a combination of two or more types. The amount of the soluble salt
of a metal which is more noble than tin in the plating solution of the first embodiment
is, in terms of the amount of metal, preferably in a range of 0.01 g/L or more and
10 g/L or less, and more preferably in a range of 0.1 g/L or more and 2 g/L or less.
In a case where the amount of the soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than
tin is excessively low or excessively high, it is not possible for the composition
of the solder alloy which precipitates to be a eutectic composition, and it is not
possible to obtain the properties as a solder alloy.
[Sulfide Compound represented by General Formula (1)]
[0038] The sulfide compound used in the tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment
is represented by General Formula (1) and acts as a complexing agent for the metal
which is more noble than tin. This sulfide compound is obtained by mixing α-thioglycerol
as a main raw material with, for example, a basic aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide,
sodium hydrogen carbonate, or sodium carbonate, then mixing and stirring the auxiliary
raw materials described below, and then carrying out refluxing to subject the main
raw material and the auxiliary raw materials to a nucleophilic substitution reaction.
A method for producing the sulfide compound of Example 3 described below will be illustrated.
100 mL of pure water and 100 mL of ethanol as a solvent are prepared in a 1 L eggplant-shaped
flask and 40 g of sodium hydroxide is dissolved therein while stirring. After cooling
the solution to 25°C, 108 g of α-thioglycerol is added thereto and mixed therewith.
Then, 80 g of 2-chloroethanol is added as an auxiliary raw material and mixed therewith.
After refluxing at 80°C for 18 hours, the solvent is removed by distillation to obtain
a sulfide compound represented by Structural Formula (1-3) described below.
[0039] Examples of the auxiliary raw material for producing the sulfide compound of the
first embodiment include chloromethane, chloroethane, 2-chloroethanol, 3-chloro-1-propanol,
1-chloro-3-metaoxypropane, 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol, 2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethanol, 1-chloro-3-methoxy-2-propanol,
2-[2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethoxy]ethanol, dimethylchloroacetal, 4-chloro-1,2-dihydroxybenzene,
and the like.
[Additive]
[0040] The tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment may further include an additive
such as an acid electrolyte (free acid), an auxiliary complexing agent, a surfactant,
an antioxidant, a complexing agent for tin, a pH adjusting agent, and a brightening
agent.
(Acid Electrolyte)
[0041] Examples of the acid electrolyte include hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, sulfuric
acid, alkane sulfonic acid, aryl sulfonic acid, or alkanol sulfonic acid. Specific
examples of the alkane sulfonic acid include methane sulfonic acid and ethane sulfonic
acid. Specific examples of the aryl sulfonic acid include benzene sulfonic acid, phenol
sulfonic acid, cresol sulfonic acid, and toluene sulfonic acid. Specific examples
of the alkanol sulfonic acid include isethionic acid. The acid electrolyte has a function
of increasing the conductivity of the tin alloy plating solution.
[0042] The acid electrolytes may be used alone as one type or in a combination of two or
more types. The amount of the acid electrolyte in the tin alloy plating solution of
the first embodiment is preferably in a range of 5 g/L or more and 500 g/L or less,
and more preferably in a range of 30 g/L or more and 300 g/L or less.
(Auxiliary Complexing Agent)
[0043] Examples of the auxiliary complexing agent include gluconic acid or a salt thereof,
citric acid or a salt thereof, pyrophosphoric acid or a salt thereof, ethylenediamines,
thioureas, mercaptothiazoles, mercaptotriazoles, mercaptotetrazoles, or hydroxyalkylphosphines.
The auxiliary complexing agent may be used alone as one type or in a combination of
two or more types.
(Surfactant)
[0044] The tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment preferably contains a surfactant.
The surfactant acts to increase the affinity between the tin alloy plating solution
and the object to be plated and, by being adsorbed on the surface of the plating film
during the formation of the tin alloy plating film to suppress crystal growth of the
tin alloy in the plating film so as to refine the crystals, acts to improve the appearance
of the plating film, improve the adhesion to the object to be plated, make the film
thickness uniform, and the like. As the surfactant, it is possible to use various
surfactants such as anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants,
and amphoteric surfactants.
[0045] Specific examples of the anionic surfactant include alkyl sulfate, polyoxyethylene
alkyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether sulfate, alkylbenzene sulfonate,
alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, and the like. Specific examples of the cationic surfactant
include mono- to tri-alkylamine salts, dimethyldialkylammonium salts, trimethylalkylammonium
salts, and the like. Specific examples of non-ionic surfactant include surfactants
or the like in which 2 to 300 mol of ethylene oxide (EO) and/or propylene oxide (PO)
are addition-condensed with alkanols, phenols, naphthols, and bisphenols having 1
to 20 carbon atoms, alkylphenols and arylalkylphenols having 1 to 25 carbon atoms,
alkylnaphthols having 1 to 25 carbon atoms, alkoxyl phosphoric acid (salt), sorbitan
ester, and polyalkylene glycol having 1 to 25 carbon atoms, aliphatic amide having
1 to 22 carbon atoms, and the like. Specific examples of amphoteric surfactants include
carboxybetaine, imidazoline betaine, aminocarboxylic acid, and the like.
[0046] The surfactants may be used alone as one type or in a combination of two or more
types. The amount of the surfactant in the tin alloy plating solution of the first
embodiment is generally in a range of 0.01 g/L or more and 50 g/L or less, preferably
in a range of 0.1 g/L or more and 20 g/L or less, and more preferably in a range of
1 g/L or more and 10 g/L or less.
(Antioxidant)
[0047] It is possible for the tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment to contain
an antioxidant as necessary. The antioxidant has an object of preventing oxidation
of Sn
2+ in the tin alloy plating solution. Examples of antioxidants include ascorbic acid
or a salt thereof, pyrogallol, hydroquinone, phloroglucinol, trihydroxybenzene, catechol,
cresol sulfonic acid or a salt thereof, catechol sulfonic acid or a salt thereof,
hydroquinone sulfonic acid or a salt thereof, and the like. For example, hydroquinone
sulfonic acid or a salt thereof is preferable in an acidic bath, while ascorbic acid,
a salt thereof, or the like is preferable in a neutral bath.
[0048] The antioxidants may be used alone as one type or in a combination of two or more
types. The amount of the antioxidant in the tin alloy plating solution of the first
embodiment is generally in the range of 0.01 g/L or more and 20 g/L or less, preferably
in the range of 0.1 g/L or more and 10 g/L or less, and more preferably is in the
range of 0.1 g/L or more and 5 g/L or less.
(Complexing Agent for Tin)
[0049] It is possible to apply the tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment to
a tin alloy plating solution of any pH range such as acidic, weakly acidic, and neutral.
Sn
2+ ions are stable in strong acidity (pH: <1), but white precipitates are easily generated
in the vicinity of acidity to neutrality (pH: 1 to 7). For this reason, in a case
where the tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment is applied to a tin plating
solution which is near neutrality, it is preferable to add a complexing agent for
tin for the purpose of stabilizing Sn
2+ ions.
[0050] It is possible to use oxycarboxylic acid, polycarboxylic acid, and monocarboxylic
acid as the complexing agent for tin. Specific examples include gluconic acid, citric
acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconolactone, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid,
ascorbic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid,
tartaric acid, or salts thereof, and the like. Gluconic acid, citric acid, glucoheptonic
acid, gluconolactone, glucoheptolactone, and salts thereof are preferable. In addition,
polyamines and aminocarboxylic acids such as ethylenediamine, ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA),
iminodiacetic acid (IDA), iminodipropionic acid (IDP), hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic
acid (HEDTA), triethylene tetramine hexaacetic acid (TTHA), ethylenedioxybis(ethylamine)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic
acid, mercaptotriazoles, mercaptotetrazoles, glycines, nitrilotrimethylphosphonic
acid, 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid or salts thereof are also effective as
complexing agents.
[0051] The complexing agent for tin may be used alone as one type or in a combination of
two or more types. The amount of the complexing agent for tin in the tin alloy plating
solution of the first embodiment is generally in a range of 0.001 mol or more and
10 mol or less with respect to 1 mol of tin in the soluble tin salt compound included
in the tin alloy plating solution, preferably in the range of 0.01 mol or more and
5 mol or less, and more preferably in the range of 0.5 mol or more and 2 mol or less.
(pH Adjusting Agent)
[0052] It is possible for the tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment to contain
a pH adjusting agent as necessary. Examples of pH adjusting agents include various
acids such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, various bases such as aqueous ammonia,
potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and sodium hydrogen carbonate, and the like.
In addition, as the pH adjusting agent, monocarboxylic acids such as acetic acid and
propionic acid, dicarboxylic acids such as boric acid, phosphoric acid, oxalic acid,
and succinic acid, oxycarboxylic acids such as lactic acid and tartaric acid, and
the like are also effective.
(Brightening Agent)
[0053] It is possible for the tin alloy plating solution of the first embodiment to contain
a brightening agent as necessary. An aromatic carbonyl compound is effective as a
brightening agent. The aromatic carbonyl compound has a function of refining the crystal
particles of the tin alloy in the tin alloy plating film. The aromatic carbonyl compound
is a compound in which a carbonyl group (-CO-X: here, X means a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy
group, an alkyl group in which the carbon atoms are in a range of 1 to 6, or an alkoxy
group in which the carbon atoms are in a range of 1 to 6) is bonded to carbon atoms
of an aromatic hydrocarbon. Aromatic hydrocarbons include benzene rings, naphthalene
rings, and anthracene rings. The aromatic hydrocarbon may have a substituent. Examples
of the substituent include a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group in which
the carbon atoms are in a range of 1 to 6, and an alkoxy group in which the carbon
atoms are in a range of 1 to 6. The carbonyl group may be directly bonded to the aromatic
hydrocarbon or may be bonded via an alkylene group in which the carbon atoms are in
a range of 1 to 6. Specific examples of the aromatic carbonyl compound include benzalacetone,
cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and benzaldehyde.
[0054] The aromatic carbonyl compounds may be used alone as one type or in a combination
of two or more types. The amount of the aromatic carbonyl compound in the tin alloy
plating solution of the first embodiment is generally in a range of 0.01 mg/L or more
and 500 mg/L or less, preferably in a range of 0.1 mg/L or more and 100 mg/L or less,
and more preferably in a range of 1 mg/L or more and 50 mg/L or less.
<Second Embodiment>
[0055] The tin alloy plating solution of the second embodiment includes a soluble tin salt,
a soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin, and the sulfide compound represented
by General Formula (2). This tin alloy plating solution may further include an additive.
[0056] The soluble tin salt, the soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin, and
the additives included in the tin alloy plating solution of the second embodiment
are the same as the soluble tin salt, the soluble salt of a metal which is more noble
than tin, and the additive included in the tin alloy plating solution of the first
embodiment, thus, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.
[Sulfide Compound represented by General Formula (2)]
[0057] The sulfide compound used in the tin alloy plating solution of the second embodiment
is represented by General Formula (2) and acts as a complexing agent for the metal
which is more noble than tin. This sulfide compound is obtained by mixing α-thioglycerol
as a main raw material with, for example, a basic aqueous solution such as sodium
hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, or sodium carbonate, then mixing and stirring
the auxiliary raw materials described below, and then carrying out refluxing to subject
the main raw material and the auxiliary raw materials to a nucleophilic substitution
reaction. The amount of the sulfide compound in the tin alloy plating solution of
the second embodiment is the same as the amount of the sulfide compound in the tin
alloy plating solution of the first embodiment. A method for producing the sulfide
compound of Example 15 described below will be illustrated. 200 mL of pure water and
200 mL of ethanol as a solvent are prepared in a 2 L eggplant-shaped flask, and 112
g of potassium hydroxide is dissolved therein while stirring. After cooling the solution
to 25°C, 216 g of α-thioglycerol is added thereto and mixed therein. Then, 113 g of
1,3-dichloropropane is added as an auxiliary raw material and mixed therein. After
refluxing at 80°C for 24 hours, the solvent is removed by distillation to obtain a
sulfide compound represented by Structural Formula (2-2) described below.
[0058] Examples of auxiliary raw materials for producing the sulfide compound of the second
embodiment include dichloromethane, 1,3-dichloropropane, 1,4-dichlorobutane, 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol,
1,4-dichloro-2-butanol, 1,4-dichloro-2,3-butanediol, and the like.
<Third Embodiment>
[0059] The tin alloy plating solution of the third embodiment includes a soluble tin salt,
a soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin, and a sulfide compound represented
by General Formula (3). This tin alloy plating solution may further include an additive.
[0060] The soluble tin salt, the soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin, and
the additives included in the tin alloy plating solution of the third embodiment are
the same as the soluble tin salt, the soluble salt of a metal which is more noble
than tin, and the additive included in the tin alloy plating solution of the first
embodiment, thus, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.
[Sulfide Compound represented by General Formula (3)]
[0061] The sulfide compound used in the tin alloy plating solution of the third embodiment
is represented by General Formula (3) and acts as a complexing agent for the metal
which is more noble than tin. This sulfide compound is obtained by mixing α-thioglycerol
as a main raw material with, for example, a basic aqueous solution such as sodium
hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, or sodium carbonate, then mixing and stirring
the auxiliary raw materials described below, and then carrying out refluxing to subject
the main raw material and the auxiliary raw materials to a reaction. The amount of
the sulfide compound in the tin alloy plating solution of the third embodiment is
the same as the amount of the sulfide compound in the tin alloy plating solution of
the first embodiment. A method for producing the sulfide compound of Example 20 described
below will be illustrated. 200 mL of pure water and 200 mL of ethanol as a solvent
are prepared in a 2 L eggplant-shaped flask, and 168 g of sodium hydrogen carbonate
is dissolved therein while stirring. After cooling the solution to 25°C, 216 g of
α-thioglycerol is added thereto and mixed therein. Then, 143 g of bis(2-chloroethyl)ether
is added as an auxiliary raw material and mixed therein. After refluxing at 80°C for
48 hours, the solvent is removed by distillation to obtain a sulfide compound represented
by Structural Formula (3-1) described below.
[0062] Examples of auxiliary raw materials for producing the sulfide compound of the third
embodiment include bis(2-chloroethyl)ether, 1,2-bis(2-chloroethoxy)ethane, diethylene
glycol bis(2-chloroethyl)ether, bis[2-[2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl] ether, and
the like.
[0063] The amount of the sulfide compound in the tin alloy plating solution of the first,
second, and third embodiments is preferably 0.5 or more in a molar ratio with respect
to the amount of the metal which is more noble than tin in the plating solution (amount
(mol) of the sulfide compound/amount (mol) of metal which is more noble than tin).
The molar ratio is preferably one or more. When the molar ratio is less than 0.5,
the complex formation is insufficient between the sulfide compound and the metal which
is more noble than tin in the plating solution and there is a concern that the concentration
of the metal which is more noble than tin in the plating solution may decrease. The
upper limit of the molar ratio is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100
or less. It is uneconomical to contain a sulfide compound such that the molar ratio
exceeds 100. The sulfide compounds illustrated in the first, second, and third embodiments
described above may be used in a combination of a plurality of types.
[0064] It is possible to analyze the structures of the sulfide compounds in the tin alloy
plating solutions of the first, second, and third embodiments by using an analytical
instruments for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a high-performance
liquid chromatogram mass spectrometer (LC-MS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FT-IR), a nuclear magnetic resonance device (NMR), or the like.
[0065] It is possible to prepare the tin alloy plating solutions of the first, second, and
third embodiments, for example, by mixing soluble tin salts, soluble salts of metals
which are more noble than tin, the sulfide compound represented by General Formula
(1), General Formula (2), or General Formula (3), and the other components with water.
In order to suppress the oxidation of Sn
2+ ions and a reduction reaction with the metal ion which is more noble than tin, it
is preferable to mix the soluble salt of a metal which is more noble than tin after
adding the sulfide compound.
[0066] As a method for forming a plating film using the plating solutions of the first,
second, and third embodiments, electroplating is used as described above. The current
density at the time of forming a plating film by electroplating is in a range of 0.1
A/dm
2 or more and 100 A/dm
2 or less, and preferably 0.5 A/dm
2 or more and 20 A/dm
2 or less. While electroplating is performed, the solution temperature of the plating
solution is in a range of 10°C or higher and 50°C or lower, and more preferably 20°C
or higher and 40°C or lower.
EXAMPLES
[0067] Next, a detailed description will be given of Examples of the present invention together
with Comparative Examples.
<Sulfide Compounds Used in Examples 1 to 13 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3>
<Sulfide Compounds Used in Examples 14 to 19 and Comparative Examples 4 to 6>
<Sulfide Compounds Used in Examples 20 to 23>
(Vat of SnAg Plating Solution)
<Example 1>
[0071] Methane sulfonic acid as a free acid, a sulfide compound of Structural Formula (1-1),
a non-ionic surfactant (in which polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene were added to
ethylenediamine at a ratio of 50:50), and pyrogallol as an antioxidant were mixed
and dissolved in an aqueous solution of tin methane sulfonic acid, and then an aqueous
solution of silver methane sulfonic acid was added thereto and mixed therewith. Finally,
by adding ion-exchanged water thereto, a SnAg plating solution having the following
composition was vatted. The molar ratio of the sulfide compound with respect to the
Ag amount in the SnAg plating solution having the following composition was 1. The
aqueous solution of tin methane sulfonic acid was prepared by electrolyzing a metal
tin plate, and the aqueous solution of silver methane sulfonic acid was prepared by
electrolyzing a metal silver plate, both in an aqueous solution of methane sulfonic
acid.
(Composition of SnAg plating solution)
[0072] Tin methane sulfonic acid (as Sn
2+): 50 g/L
Silver methane sulfonic acid (as Ag
+): 0.5 g/L
Methane sulfonic acid (as free acid): 150 g/L
Amount (molar ratio) of sulfide compound (Structural Formula (1-1)): 1
Non-ionic surfactant: 5 g/L
Antioxidant: 1g/L
Ion-exchanged water: remainder
<Examples 2 to 11>
[0073] In Examples 2 to 11, the sulfide compounds of Structural Formulas (1-2) to (1-11)
were used, respectively. In Examples 2 to 11, each SnAg plating solution was vatted
in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the sulfide compounds were each changed.
<Example 12>
[0074] In Example 12, the same sulfide compound of Structural Formula (1-1) was used as
in Example 1. In Example 12, the molar ratio of the sulfide compound with respect
to the Ag amount in the SnAg plating solution was 100. A SnAg plating solution was
vatted in the same manner as in Example 1 except that this molar ratio was changed.
<Example 13>
[0075] In Example 13, the same sulfide compound of Structural Formula (1-1) was used as
in Example 1. In Example 13, copper methane sulfonic acid was used instead of silver
methane sulfonic acid to prepare an SnCu alloy plating solution. In addition, a plating
solution was vatted in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the alloy type
was changed.
<Comparative Example 1>
[0076] In Comparative Example 1, for comparison with Example 1, the sulfide compound (a-thioglycerol)
of Structural Formula (1-12) in which both the number of oxygen atoms and the number
of carbon atoms in (A) in General Formula (1) were zero was used. Other than this,
the SnAg plating solution was vatted in the same manner as in Example 1.
<Comparative Example 2>
[0077] In Comparative Example 2, for comparison with Example 2, a sulfide compound of Structural
Formula (1-13) in which the number of oxygen atoms was zero and the number of carbon
atoms was 3 in (A) in General Formula (1) was used. In this Structural Formula (1-13),
the number of oxygen atoms was zero and the number of carbon atoms was 3. Other than
this, the SnAg plating solution was vatted in the same manner as in Example 1.
<Comparative Example 3>
[0078] In Comparative Example 3, for comparison with Example 2, a sulfide compound (2-(ethylthio)ethanol)
of Structural Formula (1-14) different from General Formula (1) was used. Other than
this, the SnAg plating solution was vatted in the same manner as in Example 1.
<Examples 14 to 19>
[0079] In Examples 14 to 19, sulfide compounds of Structural Formulas (2-1) to (2-6) were
used, respectively. In Examples 14 to 19, each SnAg plating solution was vatted in
the same manner as in Example 1 except that the sulfide compound was changed.
<Comparative Example 4>
[0080] In Comparative Example 4, for comparison with Example 14, a sulfide compound of Structural
Formula (2-7) in which both the number of oxygen atoms and the number of carbon atoms
in (B) in General Formula (2) were zero was used. Other than this, the SnAg plating
solution was vatted in the same manner as in Example 1.
<Comparative Example 5>
[0081] In Comparative Example 5, for comparison with Example 16, a sulfide compound of Structural
Formula (2-8) in which the number of oxygen atoms was zero and the number of carbon
atoms was 5 in (B) in General Formula (2) was used. Other than this, the SnAg plating
solution was vatted in the same manner as in Example 1.
<Comparative Example 6>
[0082] In Comparative Example 6, for comparison with Example 15, a sulfide compound (3,7-dithia-1,9-nonanediol)
of Structural Formula (2-9) different from General Formula (2) was used. Other than
this, the SnAg plating solution was vatted in the same manner as in Example 1.
<Examples 20 to 23>
[0083] In Examples 20 to 23, the sulfide compounds of Structural Formulas (3-1) to (3-4)
were used, respectively. In Examples 20 to 23, a SnAg plating solution was vatted
in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the sulfide compound was changed.
[0084] The amounts (molar ratios) of each sulfide compound with respect to the Ag amount
in the SnAg plating solution in Examples 1 to 23 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 are
shown in Tables 4 and 5 below.
<Comparison Test and Evaluation>
[0085] For the 29 types of Examples 1 to 23 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6, the transparency
of the tin alloy plating solutions immediately after being vatted and the stability
of the tin alloy plating solutions which were vatted were evaluated. The stability
of the tin alloy plating solution was evaluated by performing an aging stability test
and an electrolytic stability test. The results are shown in Tables 4 and 5.
(a) Transparency
[0086] Immediately after being vatted, the 29 types of tin alloy plating solution were put
in a transparent glass beaker and the transparency was visually observed. A beaker
in which the plating solution was transparent was determined to be "transparent",
and a beaker in which the plating solution became cloudy was determined to be "cloudy".
(b) Aging Stability Test
[0087] The 29 types of tin alloy plating solutions which were vatted were placed in glass
sealed bottles separately and stored in a clean oven made by Panasonic at 50°C for
6 months. Using an ICP atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES, model number ICPE-9800)
manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, the Ag concentration (in the case of an SnAg
plating solution) or the Cu concentration (in the case of an SnCu plating solution)
in the tin alloy plating solution immediately after being vatted was set as 100% and
the residual proportion (%) of the Ag concentration (in the case of the SnAg plating
solution) or the Cu concentration (in the case of the SnCu plating solution) remaining
in the tin alloy plating solution after storage for 6 months was evaluated as the
"residual proportion after aging". 80% or more was determined to be good.
(c) Electrolytic Stability Test
[0088] The 29 types of tin alloy plating solution which were vatted were used as an electrolytic
solution, a copper plate and a platinum plate were arranged in the electrolytic solution
as a cathode and as an anode respectively, and electroplating was performed separately
for the 29 types of tin alloy plating solutions which were vatted at a vat temperature
of 25°C and a cathode current density of 10 ASD. Since metal components in the plating
solution were consumed by electrolytic plating, stannous oxide (SnO) and silver oxide
(Ag
2O) powders were added, mixed, and dissolved in the plating solution every 5Ah/L of
electrolytic plating such that the electrolytic plating was performed up to 150 Ah/L
while replenishing the metal component in the plating solution. The concentration
of the sulfide compound remaining in the tin alloy plating solution after electrolytic
plating was quantitatively analyzed by the following high-performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC) method. The tin alloy plating solution was filtered with a disposable syringe
and analyzed using an HPLC device (model: Prominence) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation,
using L-Column ODS kept at 40°C with a mobile phase of MeOH (methanol). With the concentration
of the sulfide compound immediately after being vatted being set as 100%, the residual
proportion (%) of the sulfide compound after electrolytic plating was evaluated as
the "residual proportion after aging" of the complexing agent. 80% or more was determined
to be good.
[Table 4]
|
Amount of sulfide compound (molar ratio) |
Transparency |
Residual proportion after aging (%) |
Residual proportion after electrolysis (%) |
Example 1 |
1 |
Transparent |
95 |
94 |
Example 2 |
1 |
Transparent |
91 |
82 |
Example 3 |
1 |
Transparent |
97 |
88 |
Example 4 |
1 |
Transparent |
98 |
94 |
Example 5 |
1 |
Transparent |
96 |
92 |
Example 6 |
1 |
Transparent |
98 |
99 |
Example 7 |
1 |
Transparent |
93 |
90 |
Example 8 |
1 |
Transparent |
98 |
90 |
Example 9 |
1 |
Transparent |
96 |
95 |
Example 10 |
1 |
Transparent |
97 |
89 |
Example 11 |
1 |
Transparent |
87 |
83 |
Example 12 |
100 |
Transparent |
96 |
98 |
Example 13 |
1 |
Transparent |
89 |
92 |
Comparative Example 1 |
1 |
Transparent |
Evaluation not possible |
Evaluation not possible |
Comparative Example 2 |
1 |
Cloudy |
83 |
68 |
Comparative Example 3 |
1 |
Transparent |
54 |
38 |
[Table 5]
|
Amount of sulfide compound (molar ratio) |
Transparency |
Residual proportion after aging (%) |
Residual proportion after electrolysis (%) |
Example 14 |
1 |
Transparent |
97 |
83 |
Example 15 |
1 |
Transparent |
94 |
87 |
Example 16 |
1 |
Transparent |
90 |
91 |
Example 17 |
1 |
Transparent |
98 |
87 |
Example 18 |
1 |
Transparent |
95 |
93 |
Example 19 |
1 |
Transparent |
99 |
97 |
Comparative Example 4 |
1 |
Cloudy |
Evaluation not possible |
Evaluation not possible |
Comparative Example 5 |
1 |
Transparent |
80 |
72 |
Comparative Example 6 |
1 |
Transparent |
68 |
56 |
Example 20 |
1 |
Transparent |
92 |
89 |
Example 21 |
1 |
Transparent |
94 |
90 |
Example 22 |
1 |
Transparent |
94 |
92 |
Example 23 |
1 |
Transparent |
95 |
94 |
[0089] As is clear from Table 1 and Table 4, in Comparative Example 1 using a compound in
which (A) in General Formula (1) did not meet the conditions of the first aspect of
the present invention, the SH group of the terminal group of the compound reacted
with Ag immediately after being vatted to generate a precipitate and evaluation after
aging and after electrolytic plating was not possible. In Comparative Example 2 using
a sulfide compound in which (A) in General Formula (1) did not meet the conditions
of the first aspect of the present invention, the number of carbon atoms was 3, thus,
the water solubility of the sulfide compound was low and the residual proportion after
aging was 83%, but the residual proportion after electrolysis was as low as 68%, which
was unsatisfactory. In addition, in Comparative Example 3 in which the sulfide compound
(2-(ethylthio)ethanol) of Structural Formula (1-14) different from General Formula
(1) was used, the water solubility of the sulfide compound was low, the residual proportion
after aging was 54%, and the residual proportion after electrolysis was as low as
38%, which was unsatisfactory.
[0090] On the other hand, in Examples 1 to 13 using the sulfide compound in which (A) in
General Formula (1) met the conditions of the first aspect of the present invention,
the residual proportion of Ag and Cu in the plating solution after aging was as high
as 87% to 98% and the sulfide compound also remained at a high ratio of 82% to 99%
after electrolytic plating. From these results, it was confirmed that the sulfide
compound in which (A) in General Formula (1) met the conditions of the first aspect
of the present invention was useful as a complexing agent for metals which are more
noble than tin.
[0091] As is clear from Table 2 and Table 5, in Comparative Example 4 in which (B) in General
Formula (2) did not meet the conditions of the second aspect of the present invention,
the disulfide group of the sulfide compound reacted with Ag immediately after being
vatted to generate a precipitate and evaluation after aging and after electrolytic
plating was not possible. In Comparative Example 5 using the sulfide compound in which
(B) in General Formula (2) did not meet the conditions of the second aspect of the
present invention, since the carbon chain was 5, the water solubility of the sulfide
compound was low and the residual proportion after aging was 80%, but the residual
proportion after electrolysis was as low as 72%, which was unsatisfactory. In addition,
in Comparative Example 6 of Structural Formula (2-9) different from General Formula
(2) of the second aspect of the present invention, since the sulfide compound did
not have a glyceryl group, the water solubility of the sulfide compound was low, the
residual proportion after aging was 68%, and the residual proportion after electrolysis
was 56%, which were both low and unsatisfactory.
[0092] On the other hand, in Examples 14 to 19 using the sulfide compound in which (B) in
General Formula (2) met the conditions of the second aspect of the present invention,
after aging, the residual proportion of Ag in the SnAg plating solution was as high
as 90% to 99%, and the sulfide compound also remained at a high ratio of 83% to 97%
after electrolytic plating. From these results, it was confirmed that the sulfide
compound in which (B) in General Formula (2) met the conditions of the second aspect
of the present invention was useful as a complexing agent for metals which are more
noble than tin.
[0093] As is clear from Tables 3 and 5, in Examples 20 to 23 using the sulfide compound
which met the conditions of the third aspect of the present invention in which n in
General Formula (3) was 1 to 5, after aging, the residual proportion of Ag in the
SnAg plating solution was as high as 92% to 95% and the sulfide compound also remained
at a high ratio of 89% to 94% after electrolytic plating. From these results, it was
confirmed that the sulfide compound which met the condition of the third aspect of
the present invention, in which n in General Formula (3) is 1 to 5, was useful as
a complexing agent for metals which are more noble than tin.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0094] It is possible to use the plating solution of the present invention to form parts
of electronic components such as bump electrodes of semiconductor wafers and printed
circuit boards.